1863: London Underground

A Victorian London setting sees players compete for financial success with numerous historical companies that can be founded, acquired, merged, and folded to represent an alternative history of the London Underground from its audacious beginnings to its eventual semi-nationalisation in 1933 under the umbrella of the London Passenger Transport Board.

1863 London Underground is railroad operations and share trading board game in the 18xx series of games, and based on the rules from the excellent 1817. The small geographic location and the addition of subsidiaries, operating costs, and the looming shadow of the LPTB are some of the main features that set it apart.

Each turn players can open new, or buy/sell shares in existing companies. These companies expand their underground network by laying track and running trains to generate revenue. This can be paid as dividends to share holders or retained to purchase new trains and cover expenses.

The end of the game occurs when either the last train is purchased or only one company remains. At this point the player with the highest personal wealth in cash and assets wins. With no luck involved, success is found through careful planning, shrewd decisions and ruthless actions.

-description from designer